We were lucky to catch up with William Denson recently and have shared our conversation below.

William, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, surrounded by a wonderful support system of parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. From a young age, I noticed that many of my friends were raised by single mothers and saw firsthand the impact of not having a father in their lives. At seventeen, I joined the military and traveled extensively during my four-year tour of duty. Throughout high school and my military career, I was actively involved in sports.

While in the military, I coached Little League baseball, basketball, and soccer teams in the various cities where I was stationed. I was struck by how many of the kids I coached were being raised by single mothers or grandparents. After my discharge, I traveled for a couple of years before settling in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, I lived in South Central, where fatherless homes were more common. For over twenty years, I coached baseball and basketball at city and county parks, always feeling a deep empathy not only for the children but also for their mothers. I eventually left my job as a mailman to become a PE teacher for LAUSD, a position I held until my recent retirement.

The City of Los Angeles offered a program called “Public Access TV” for aspiring filmmakers. I took advantage of this opportunity to produce and direct a five-part documentary on fatherhood titled “Fathers I-V.” Although I did not receive a scholarship from the Roy Dean Scholarship Program in Hollywood, the local reviews were positive, and the experience was immensely rewarding.

Years later, I founded a non-profit organization, “A Father Forever.” This organization is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and motivating troubled, absentee, and irresponsible fathers about their importance to their children, families, and communities. Our mission is carried out with a loving yet disciplined approach. We do not label or criticize fathers; instead, we hold them accountable and discuss solution-based possibilities that may help them.

Each father has a unique, yet often similar, set of reasons for not being involved in their children’s lives. We embrace these fathers with love and understanding while maintaining honesty and accountability. My passion for children and their well-being drives me to ensure that every child experiences a happy childhood, and I firmly believe that fathers play a critical role in bringing happiness into their lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At “A Father Forever,” we believe that society is often unfriendly towards fathers. While the reasons for this are not our primary focus, we recognize it as a reality. I have personally known fathers who were unfairly treated by the legal system, leading some to turn to drugs, alcohol, or other self-destructive behaviors, negatively impacting both themselves and their children.

To address these challenges, we conduct virtual monthly “Father Roundtable” discussions. Fathers of all ages join these sessions to share their specific situations with the group. We establish clear rules to ensure a respectful and supportive environment: no judgment, no race baiting, no name-calling, and no negative connotations. This safe space allows fathers to discuss their challenges openly. Often, other fathers who have faced similar struggles offer their perspectives or solutions, providing a sense of relief and appreciation for those seeking guidance.

We challenge fathers to embrace our “Diamond Culture,” which comprises four key elements: Spiritual Wellness, Mental Wellness, Physical Wellness, and Financial Wellness. When a father acknowledges and embraces our Diamond Culture, he is well on his way to becoming “A Father Forever.”

In addition to these discussions, “A Father Forever” organizes father-child events to encourage fathers to spend as much quality time with their children as possible. We believe that time is the most valuable gift a father can give. Our annual events include father-child golf tournaments, kayaking trips, delivering Mother’s Day roses to senior mothers, hiking, participating in the MLK parade, feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving, and hosting a toy drive in December for children in a local hospital. Recently we have taken children to a farm to experience farm life. These children have never been on a farm or seen these animals in person. Many were able to get on a horse and were more than excited to walk around the stable on a horse! A Father Forever strongly believes that children needs exposures in life to broaden their mindsets!

These activities not only strengthen the bond between fathers and their children but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among fathers. Our mission is to inspire and support fathers in their critical role, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience a happy and fulfilling childhood.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

April 1, 2004, I rode a bicycle form the Santa Monica Pier to the White House. The journey took me seventy six days to complete. Along my journey, I spoke at elementary and middle schools, churches, local organizations, private homes, newspaper interviews, a prison facility and radio stations.

My entire purpose was to enhance the need of fathers to step up to the plate and play the game changer role in their home, school, church and community. I was so committed that by the time I got to Chicago, I had $30 left. My sister from Phoenix who was very instrumental in my trip asked me what was I going to do? I told her that I would either get to the White House or die trying! I received a phone call from a friend in Los Angeles and they stated they heard that I was on a bicycle trip to the White House and do I take donations? I responded in the positive, the very next day I receive an Express package with a $500 postal money order!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve learned that pursuing a vision attracts many naysayers and negative comments. I’m in my twentieth year with A Father Forever and I’ve experienced this mindset firsthand. Despite the challenges, I’m determined to continue and find great joy when people tell me how much A Father Forever has helped them and their families. Their gratitude and success stories inspire me to keep pushing forward and make all the hard work worthwhile. I’m focused now more than ever before! EVERY child should experience the tender love from a loving father!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.afatherforever.org
• Instagram: afatherforever2022
• Youtube: A Father Forever YouTube Channel – Podcast

Image Credits

Photos by: William Denson